KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe’s Zanu PF is accused of interfering in Botswana’s and Mozambique’s elections.
- Job Sikhala warns of potential risks to Zimbabweans abroad due to Zanu PF’s regional actions.
- Zanu PF’s alleged electoral meddling is causing tensions across Southern Africa.
Opposition leader Job Sikhala has warned of possible dangers to Zimbabweans residing overseas as a result of the ruling Zanu PF party’s meddling in neighboring countries’ internal affairs. The party has also been accused of participating in regional elections.
Former President Ian Khama claimed at a recent rally in Botswana that Zanu PF spies had been sent in to sway the country’s October 30, 2024, elections. Khama’s comments were backed by Sikhala, the chairman of the National Democratic Working Group, who also noted that Zanu PF’s meddling in provincial elections is turning into a regional threat.
Accusations of regional meddling
Sikhala specifically brought up Zanu PF’s alleged role in the recent Mozambican elections, where the party is said to have contributed to the success of the Frelimo party, which is currently in power.
Additionally, he asserts that Zanu PF secretly participated in the May 2024 elections in South Africa.
Sikhala stated that Zanu PF’s actions are “a danger to peace and security in Southern Africa” and that as Zimbabweans, we run the risk of being despised throughout the region because of a party that meddles in other countries’ internal affairs.
Impact on Zimbabweans and regional politics
Sikhala said that the activities of Zanu PF might incite animosity toward local Zimbabweans.
He maintained that the participation of the ruling party in regional elections may have long-term effects for Zimbabweans’ security and well-being outside.
According to New Zimbabwe, the credibility of the poll was called into question when Zanu PF members were allegedly involved in voting during Mozambique’s elections.
Concerns about electoral manipulation were heightened by reports that several Zimbabweans, such as former Zanu PF councilor Edison Manyawi, publicly acknowledged taking part in the elections in Mozambique.
Growing tensions across SADC
Sikhala’s remarks coincide with escalating tensions within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as several nations have been accused of political meddling and election tampering.
Sikhala asserted that Zanu PF is attempting to revive the political career of former President Edgar Lungu, a longtime friend of Zimbabwe’s ruling party, in Zambia, while Zanu PF’s purported involvement in Botswana has sparked concerns ahead of the elections.
Sikhala pointed out that strained ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia have been exacerbated by Hakainde Hichilema, the country’s current president, who has been outspoken about the contentious elections in Zimbabwe.
Hichilema has criticized Zanu PF’s involvement in the area and charged the party with sabotaging democratic procedures.
